News

A close up of unleaded and diesel fuel pumps at a petrol station. Photo credit: Daria Nipot/Adobe Stock

Beyond the bowser: why petrol prices can feel unfair to some Australians

Published on: 18 May 2026

After weeks of volatility linked to conflict in the Middle East, fuel prices across Australia have begun to ease somewhat. But despite some relief at the bowser, public frustration remains strong. Is this a normal reaction, or is something deeper at play?

A bushfire with silhouettes of trees in the foreground

Closing the global insurance protection gap: informing disaster risk financing policy and practice

Published on: 14 May 2026

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and costly globally, resulting in a growing insurance ‘protection gap’ – where communities, governments and businesses are left exposed without adequate financial protection to support their recovery. Research from UQ Business School set out to understand, and help close, this widening protection gap.

An elderly lady being helped over a step through a doorway. Photo credit: Adobe Stock

Asking wealthier older people to pay more for their aged care might be reasonable, but will it work?

Published on: 14 May 2026

The Support at Home (SaH) program introduces a significant new feature to Australia's aged care system: older Australians who can afford to will be asked to contribute to their cost of care. Whether it's smart or risky depends on something we don't yet have: rigorous evidence.

Illustration of clock with pieces being removed

How 'microshifting' is reshaping flexible work: From focus blocks to hyperscheduling

The traditional 9-to-5 office job is all but extinct. While it’s easy to attribute its decline to COVID, the shift away from rigid working hours was already well underway. UQ experts say microshifting can improve both workplace productivity and job satisfaction, but caution business leaders to set clear expectations.

A young woman wearing headphones looking out a bus window, with her reflection showing

9 business podcasts you need to listen to

Don’t spend hours trying to find a great series that'll hook you. We’ve gathered the most inspirational and engaging business podcasts to keep you at the top of your game. Tried and tested by UQ Business School staff, you know these will be good!

Illustration of a gruop of people in different professions

The art of influencing without authority: 8 expert-approved tactics to 'manage up' and persuade peers

Whether you’re trying to persuade your co-workers to get behind your idea or convince your boss to let you try something new, every professional can benefit from learning the art of influencing without authority. A UQ expert says it’s important to remember that “leadership is not the same as authority".

2 hands holding a globe with currency symbols on it

What's next? Commerce leaders share their 10-year predictions

It's a tumultuous time for the global economy. Business leaders around the world are working hard to navigate these rapid changes and anticipate what’s next. To celebrate 100 years of UQ's Bachelor of Commerce, UQ Commerce alumni leaders share the shifts and transformations they predict will impact the business world over the coming 10 years.

painting depcting a skyline with setting sun using Aboriginal flag colours.

Indigenous businesses are losing millions to fraudulent firms. We need stronger oversight.

Over the next five years, the federal government plans to buy more from Indigenous businesses, while cracking down on fraudulent practices. UQ expert Dr Gaala Watson's research has found the reforms don’t go far enough.